Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’ve got a sweet tooth and you love the combination of chocolate and caramel, then these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars are going to change your life. I mean, who wouldn’t want a cookie bar that’s essentially an irresistible layer of oats, gooey caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt? It’s like an edible hug! I first stumbled upon this recipe during a bake sale frenzy at my kid’s school—everyone was clamoring for the “caramel bars,” and so naturally, I had to jump on the bandwagon. Since then, I’ve variations come and go, but this one has always been my favorite.
These bars are not just a dessert; they carry a warm nostalgia for me, reminding me of fun afternoons spent baking with my daughter, her little fingers trying to sneak chocolate chips before they even hit the batter. The good news? They’re super easy to make, which is perfect for those bake sale emergencies (or if you just find yourself craving a sweet snack at 10 PM—I won’t tell!). Let me share with you how you can whip these up at home!
What’s in Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars?
- Unsalted butter: This gives the cookies a rich, creamy texture. I always use organic butter because it makes everything taste better!
- Brown sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor, which pairs perfectly with the caramel sauce later on. I like to use light brown sugar for that sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch of white sugar to balance the flavor and help the bars crisp up nicely.
- Eggs: Large eggs are key here as they bind the ingredients and keep everything together. No egg, no cookie magic!
- Vanilla extract: A must for any cookie recipe. It brings warmth and enhances the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the main structure of the bars. You could experiment with whole wheat flour if you want a nuttier taste.
- Rolled oats: Adding oats not only gives a hearty texture but also makes these cookie bars feel a bit healthier (because oats are just good for you, right?).
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that makes these bars soft and chewy—just the way we like ’em!
- Salt: A little pinch helps enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, making everything taste more delicious.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or dark, you can choose based on how rich you want your bars to be. I usually go for semi-sweet, but dark chocolate lovers feel free to indulge!
- Caramel sauce: Store-bought is fine, but if you have the time, homemade caramel is a total game changer! It makes the bars even more decadent.
- Sea salt: A sprinkle on top to really amplify that sweet-salty flavor profile everyone goes crazy for!
Are Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars Good for You?
Well, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Let’s be real—these bars are a sweet indulgence and not exactly a health food. However, we can find some bits to celebrate! The oats do bring a good amount of fiber, which is great for digestion, and you’ve got some protein from the eggs. The sugars and butter do pack a calorie punch, but who’s counting when it comes to dessert? Life’s too short for just salads, right? Just keep portions in check, and enjoy these bars alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. Moderation, my friends, is key!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You’ll wanna beat it good—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure it’s nice and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well combined. Don’t overmix though—just until you can’t see any flour left.
- Fold in the chocolate chips like you’re tucking in a baby blanket. Gotta keep ’em cozy!
- Spread half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly. It’s going to be the base for your caramel goodness!
- Pour the caramel sauce over the cookie base and spread it evenly. Try not to eat it all right here—it’s tough, I know!
- Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it over the caramel layer, leaving some gaps to see the caramel peeking through; the more rustic, the better!
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top – remember, we want that sweet and salty balance!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Your kitchen should smell heavenly—enjoy that while you can!
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang and let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars. Patience is key here!
Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Cookie Bars
- For more intense flavor, consider using a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking. It’s a game changer!
- If you want a twist, try adding nuts (walnuts or pecans work well) or dried fruits to the batter.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
- And if you really want to spoil yourself, enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat! Ice cream makes everything better.
So there you have it—delicious, gooey, and utterly irresistible! I can’t wait for you to try these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Oat Cookie Bars. They’ll surely become a hit whether at home, for a gathering, or just for a cozy night in. And if you do whip them up, drop me a comment or tag me in your photos; I’d love to see your creations!
